HOW TO STUDY FOR THE MCAT
- Understand the MCAT. The first step is to understand what the MCAT is, says Sierra.
- Be thoughtful about your undergraduate course selection.
- Start your MCAT test prep early.
- Find a study schedule and routine that works for you.
- Take MCAT practice tests often.
How long does it take to prepare for the MCAT?
200 to 300 hours
Most people need 10–15 hours per week to study for the MCAT over a period of at least four to six months . In total, you should aim for at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.
What is the best way to prepare for MCAT?
Learn the top ten MCAT study habits that will actually boost your score.
- Find Your Baseline.
- Don’t Sacrifice Practice for Content Review.
- Focus on Accuracy.
- Build Stamina.
- Take as Many Full-length Practice Tests as Possible.
- Simulate REAL MCAT Conditions.
- Practice Dealing With Distractions.
- Manage Your Stress.
Is it hard to prepare for MCAT?
The MCAT is especially challenging for several reasons, according to test prep experts. It is extremely lengthy and covers multiple subjects, addresses technical aspects of certain fields and occasionally requires test-takers to combine knowledge from disparate academic disciplines.
Can I study for the MCAT by myself?
You have many options when it comes to MCAT studying, you can self-study or you can take a prep course. Both options can be effective, but you should consider your goals and circumstances to choose the best path for you.
How expensive is MCAT?
MCAT Exam Fees
The initial registration fee for the MCAT exam is $325, which covers the cost of the exam, as well as distribution of your scores. Information regarding fees is available on the MCAT website.
Is MCAT all multiple choice?
As stated above, the MCAT only have multiple choice questions, which is different from most college science exams.
Is Khan Academy enough for MCAT?
So, is Khan Academy good for the MCAT? All in all, we think it’s a great platform to get free content and supplementary resources if you want to get a good MCAT score. However, it shouldn’t be your only study tool for MCAT prep.
What should I study first for MCAT?
The AAMC recommends that the average pre-med student spend between 300 and 350 hours over several months preparing for the MCAT.
Set up a rotating schedule that works through these topics:
- Biochemistry.
- Biology.
- General Chemistry.
- Organic Chemistry.
- Physics/Math.
- Behavioral Sciences.
When should I start studying for MCAT?
The earliest we recommend taking the MCAT is the end of the summer between your sophomore and junior year of college. In that case, we recommend beginning to study no earlier than the spring of your sophomore year. There are a few caveats to keep in mind if you plan to take the MCAT that early.
What happens if you fail MCAT?
If you do bad on the test, you retake it; if you do bad again, you retake it again. If all else fails, you go to the Caribbean, unless you don’t really want to be a doctor.
What is the hardest section of the MCAT?
the CARS section
Each section in the MCAT is important in determining your overall score. The data shows that the CARS section is the most difficult section, corresponding to the lowest average scores.
What is the lowest MCAT score you can get?
472
This means that the lowest possible MCAT score you can get is 472 and the highest is 528. The conversion is administered to ensure scoring fairness to all students taking the MCAT. There are several different test forms in a given year. They tend to include questions of various difficulty levels.
How do people afford MCAT prep?
For students that cannot afford the $270 price, the AAMC offers a fee assistance program that allows students to get access to the materials for free! As well as other perks like reduced MCAT exam fees, MSAR’s access, and reduced primary application fees.
Is there free MCAT prep?
Yes! Our eCourse is 100-percent FREE! Our Free eCourse includes the MCAT Launchpad, MCAT Bootcamp, our 10 Content Modules, Weekly MCAT Study Tips, MCAT Questions of the Day, our Facebook Study Group, and much more! All of this is available to you completely free of charge.
How many times can I take the MCAT?
The MCAT exam can be taken up to three times. Two consecutive-year period: The MCAT exam can be taken up to four times.
Is there math on the MCAT?
The MCAT is a conceptual exam that requires little mathematical computation. Any such requirements are based only on fundamental mathematical concepts, which include arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is no calculus involved.
What topics are on the MCAT?
The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam that consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
How many med schools should I apply to?
So, how many medical schools should you apply to? We recommend that you initially apply to 15–25 carefully selected schools and devote your full effort to those applications. Then, depending on your availability, energy level, and finances, you can recycle your essays and apply to an additional 5–15 med schools.
Is there physics on the MCAT?
The MCAT will present you with ten passages based on chemistry and physics subjects, and then present four to seven questions about each passage.
How much chemistry is on the MCAT?
In total, around 9 percent of your entire exam will cover general chemistry. Why do we mention this? Many students spend too much time on the small details of their test prep. These students learn content for memorization, but the MCAT requires you to instead learn content for application.
